Newton Community Matters – January 2023

Newton Presbyterian Manor

JANUARY 2023

Epiphany around the world For Christians around the world, the official end to the Christmas holiday occurs on January 6.

Known as Epiphany, or the 12th Day of Christmas, it commemorates how a star led the Magi, or the three kings or wise men, to the baby Jesus.

Here’s a look at how this holiday is celebrated around the world.

Spain In Madrid and the rest of Spain, locals eat a ring-shaped, creamRoscón: A Spanish cake with a figurine filled Roscón cake that is baked inside. decorated with a paper crown while a king figurine or a dried bean is baked inside. Whoever finds the former gets to wear the crown while whoever finds the latter has to pay for the cake.

In Barcelona and Catalania, the Epiphany cake is called Tortell or Gâteau des Rois and is filled Gallette Des Rois: a French cake with a toy with marzipan. baked inside.

France In Paris and beyond, the French feast on ‘Galette des Rois’, a marzipan cake with a toy baked inside, while the cake itself is topped with a gold paper crown. Whoever winds up with the toy gets to wear the crown.

Epiphany – continued on page 2

Bravo of the Month goes to Janelle Nickel!

Janelle Nickel from our housekeeping department was selected as this month’s Bravo recipient. She was recognized by her co-worker, Woody.

“She sprinted across Anderson Place from West to East as she spotted a resident getting the egress door system opened. She saved a potential fall and maybe more! Her action alerted nursing staff and it was just a few seconds in response. Thank you all for that you do, but Janelle, that was special!”

Congratulations and thank you, Janelle! u

Sternsinger travel door to door in Germany, singing a traditional blessing

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Epiphany– continued from page 1 Germany Groups of young people called Sternsinger (also known as Star Singers) travel door to door dressed as the three Wiseman, plus the leader carrying a star. These singers will be offered treats at the homes they visit, but they also ask for donations for worthy causes. The young people then perform the traditional house blessing by marking the year over the doorway with chalk. This protects the inhabitants from evil in the upcoming year. They will write 20 + C + M + B + 16 (The year surrounds the traditional names of the Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar). Others claim the CMB stands for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” (Christ Bless This House)

European City borrows from French traditions, a country that has a great influence on the city. The King Cake of New Orleans is usually made with cinnamon and pecans and is distinguished by vibrant purple, yellow and green sugar and icing.

Whoever gets the piece with the baby will enjoy a prosperous and lucky year.

Italy On Epiphany Eve, the children of Rome, Milan and beyond hang up stockings in anticipation of presents from an old lady named La Befana.

This is in addition to the Christmas gifts they receive from Babbo Natale course. Most cities celebrate the national holiday with a parade, but Venice holds a regata during which men dressed as La Bafana race around the city’s signature canals.

New Orleans It’s fitting that America’s most

The King Cake of New Orleans made with colorful icing

La Befana brings presents to children in Italy.

The Kalloikantzaroi goblins live underground but roam the earth in Greece and Cyprus during the 12 days of Christmas

Greece and Cyprus Epiphany is known a “fota” in Greece and Cyprus which is Greek for lights and represents the fact that on this day God enlightened the world.

The day is celebrated by blessing the waters on beaches across both countries. Greek Orthodox priests toss a cross into the sea and boys and men jump in to quickly retrieve it. A more bizarre tradition is the Kallikantrzaroi, goblins who live underground but come to the surface during the 12 days of Christmas. To prevent them from destroying the earth, tradition has superstitious families throwing food on the roofs of their houses on as an offering to eat and then return underground without entering people’s homes. u

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Community Matters 316-283-5400 u Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | January 2023

is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor

by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To submit or suggest articles: togibson@pmma.org Emily Trask, executive director Toni Gibson, marketing and sales

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Find Epiphany in this traditional cake recipe In honor of Epiphany, here is a delicious recipe for a French cake, the Galette Des Rois. As part of French tradition, a bean or small china feve (favor) is hidden in the cake. The person who finds the feve in his or her slice becomes king or queen for the day u

Galette Des Rois

Servings: 16

■ ¼ cup almond paste ■ ¼ cup white sugar

■ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ■ 1 egg ■ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ■ ¼ teaspoon almond extract ■ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ■ 1 pinch salt ■ 1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed ■ 1 dry kidney bean ■ 1 egg, beaten ■ 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions 1. Place the almond paste into a food processor or blender with about half of the sugar, and process until well blended. Add the butter and remaining sugar using and process until smooth, then blend in 1 egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, flour and salt. Set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Butter a baking sheet or line with parchment paper, and set aside.

3. Roll out one sheet of the puff pastry into an 11-inch square. Keep the pastry cool, do not knead or stretch. Use a large pie plate, cake pan or frying pan to trace an 11 inch circle onto the dough using the tip of a small knife. Place the circle of pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the second sheet of pastry. Refrigerate both sheets.

4. Mound the almond filling onto the center of the pastry that is on the baking sheet. Leave about 1 1/2 inch margin at the edges. Press the bean or feve down into the filling. Place the second sheet of pastry on top, and press down the edges to seal. Beat the remaining egg with a fork, and lightly brush onto the top of the galette. Use a knife to make a crisscross pattern in the egg wash, and then prick several small slits in the top to vent steam while baking.

5. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Do not open the oven until the time is up, as the pastry will not fully puff. Remove from the oven, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Return to the oven, and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

6. Lay a golden paper crown gently on top of the cake. This will be used to crown the person who finds the bean or feve. Serve warm or cold. Make sure to tell everyone about the bean or feve.

Over this past holiday season, the Manor Library featured this Christmas tree decorated entirely from resident Mareta Lies’ Hallmark collection.

Thank you for your beautiful ornaments!

Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820

A Merry Manor Christmas December was a busy month at the Manor when we had over 24 special events going on! We enjoyed music performances and Christmas parties, as well as the gift exchange between staff and residents in Assisted Living and Healthcare. It was a joyful time for all! u

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December festivities included a performance by the Great Plains Dulcimer Alliance, who entertained us with Christmas carols and a history lesson about the Dulcimer.

COMMUNITY MATTERS | January 2023